PLANNING COMMITTEE AGENDA - Hartlepool Borough Council

4.1
GEP2: States that provision will be required to enable access for all (in particular for
people with disabilities, the elderly and people with children) in new developments
where there is public access, places of employment, public transport and car parking
schemes and where practical in alterarations to existing developments.
GEP3: States that in considering applications, regard will be given to the need for the
design and layout to incorporate measures to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Planning Considerations
3.9 The main planning considerations in this case are the effect of the proposal on
local residents and businesses and the effect of the security fencing and gates within
the street scene.
3.10 The proposal aims to erect security fencing and gates to restrict access to the
rear of properties in Stockton Road, Marske Street, Westbourne Road and Blakelock
Gardens.
3.11 The section of Stockton Road, which will be affected by the gates is made up of
businesses and residential properties. A Traffic Regulation Order prevents parking
at the front of these properties. However there is off-street parking available to the
rear. Marske Street and Westbourne Road are residential. There are no parking
restrictions in the front streets of Marske Street and Westbourne Road and on-street
parking can take place. However, these streets are due for consultation for resident
parking which could have an effect on the parking.
3.12 As the Head of Traffic & Transportation has indicated gates that have been
erected in other areas of the town, which have involved a mixed use of both
residential and businesses have caused conflict over the gates being open or closed
during normal operating times. Businesses want the gates to remain open so they
can facilitate deliveries and customers while the residents want them to be closed at
all times.
3.13 The businesses that are to be included in the scheme are a Social Club, Hotel
and Veterinary Surgery, which do not operate exclusivley during normal business
hours of 9-5 and could be open till midnight. The Veterinary surgery operates a 24
hour emergency service.
3.15 There are car parking areas to the rear of the Hotel, Social Club and Veterinary
Surgery.
3.16 The garage repair business also relies on access being available for customers
to drop off and collect their vehicles.
3.17 Concerns have been raised from the Highways Engineer that if the gates are
erected there may be an increase on-street parking in Stockton Road to the
detriment of highway safety, as vehicles will not be able to gain access to the rear
and would park at the front, which has parking restrictions on it.
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27. 09. 06 Planning apps.DOC 34